Welcome to the website of the Doha Forum 2014, the established world-class event that celebrates its 14th edition this year in presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, who will preside over the Opening Ceremony on May 12th that will kick off with a welcoming speech delivered by His Excellency Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

True to its original full title, the Forum will offer a sweeping overview of issues regarding Democracy, Development and Free Trade in the Middle-East, the Arab countries and the world. More broadly, this international meeting will discuss critical political, economic, social, financial, strategic and human matters of pressing concern for a region witnessing some of the most substantial changes in its very long History.

The international guests of honor this year will include some current Heads of State and Government. The Forum will also feature other distinguished opinion leaders, eminent political thinkers, decision–makers and members of parliament, renowned businessmen, academics, media figures and international organizations. These participants will contribute to a free, learned and stimulating debate on each of the many topics on the Forum's agenda, with a focus, the global financial and economic crisis, International Cooperation, Democracy, Global Economy, Development, enabling women, minorities issues, Human Rights and Digital Media.

The 14th Doha Forum will be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel from 12-14 May, 2014. It will be attended by more than 600 participants representing over 80 countries and organizations.

UCLA's Center for Middle East Development (CMED), in conjunction with the Doha Forum 2014, and the Middle East Investment Initiative (MEII), is pleased to announce an inaugural series of prizes for economic and social innovation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The prizes, in the form of grants from a pool of 100,000 USD, will be awarded to individuals and/or organizations with novel project ideas to (1) stimulate the business environment for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs); (2) improve education and training to increase skills and employability; and/or (3) promote public sector innovation in the MENA region.

Up to 10 finalists will be chosen to:

• Attend an all-expense paid trip to UCLA's Enriching the Middle East's Economic Future Conference, held in conjunction with the Doha Forum, from May 12-14, 2014;

• Pitch the business plan to a panel of foundations, entrepreneurs and investors from the United States, Europe and the Middle East;

• Compete for five grants of 20,000 USD per project, to be awarded in Doha;

• Receive a 6-month mentorship with regional or international experts; and

• Receive support and connections to additional funding sources.

Application Criteria:

Project submissions must be from local MENA-based social enterprises or NGOs, which are not related to a U.S. or European parent organization. Judges will be looking for project sponsors who:

• Have a proven track record of advancing economic and social innovation in their community and are looking to expand their programming and services. Special consideration will be given to organizations that can demonstrate past success in advancing economic and social innovation through metrics such as jobs created; businesses established, mentored or incubated; youth or women trained; amount of money invested or raised, etc.;

• Demonstrate feasibility, substantial impact, and ability to scale;

• Have a solid business plan for of additional sources of funding or revenue streams to ensure sustainability;

• Are able to send a representative to present their plan in Doha, Qatar in May 2014.

To submit an application, complete the online form here by April 1, 2014.

Finalists will be announced by April 10, 2014.

CMED, the Doha Forum, and MEII hope that over time this new prize will create a network of entrepreneurs, both amateur and veteran, that will celebrate innovation, encourage new ideas, support economic development in the MENA region, and serve as a model for similar efforts around the world.

The Doha 'Enriching the Middle East's Economic Future' conference concluded today at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, in the presence of a number of Their Excellencies the heads of delegations and senior officials.

HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will patronize on Monday the opening ceremony of the Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade, hosted by the State of Qatar for the eleventh time.

Regional and international experts are currently in Qatar to participate in the Doha Forum and discuss issues related to democracy, development and free trade in the Middle East and the rest of the world.

Your Highness, Mister Prime Minister, Mister Minister,
Excellences and Dear Friends,
We are in a highly instable world. I would like to say in a volatile world. In a world where every sparkle can set whole regions in fire.

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday led a galaxy of global and regional dignitaries at the official opening of the fourth Doha Forum and the ninth Enriching the Middle East's Economic Future Conference.

The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with a delegation from US Congress on the sidelines of the Doha Forum and Enriching The Middle East’s Economic Future Conference at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel yesterday.

THE Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani met with a number of international dignitaries on the sidelines of the Doha Forum and Enriching The Middle East's Economic Future Conference which kicked off at Ritz Carlton Hotel on Monday.

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani patronized on Monday evening the opening ceremony of Doha Forum and Enriching The Middle East's Economic Future Conference at Ritz Carlton Hotel. The opening ceremony was attended by a number of their excellencies senior officials and heads of delegations taking part in the event.

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday led a galaxy of global and regional dignitaries at the official opening of the fourth Doha Forum and the ninth Enriching the Middle East's Economic Future Conference.

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met HE Vice President of Argentina Amado Boudou, HE Assistant President of the Republic of Sudan Abdel Rahman ElSadig ElMahdi, HE Former President of the Republic of Albania Rexhep Qemal Meidani, and HE Former Prime Minister of France Dominique de Villepin, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum and Enriching The Middle East's Economic Future Conference which will kick off Monday evening at Ritz Carlton Hotel.